Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17784 · Rotorcraft flight control
Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France) (Airbus Helicopters)
This AD applies to Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, and SA330J helicopters with a tail rotor control turnbuckle (turnbuckle), part number (P/N) 330A27-5031-20, installed, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, and SA330J helicopters with a certain tail rotor control turnbuckle (turnbuckle) installed. This AD requires inspecting the turnbuckles for corrosion or a crack, and depending on the results, either replacing the turnbuckle or treating the turnbuckle for corrosion. This AD was prompted by a report that a turnbuckle had failed because of corrosion. The actions of this AD are intended to detect corrosion or a crack on a turnbuckle and prevent the failure of a turnbuckle, loss of control of the tail rotor and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time.
(1) For helicopters delivered before March 1, 2013, within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months, whichever occurs first, and for helicopters delivered on or after March 1, 2013, within 12 months, and thereafter for all helicopters at intervals not to exceed 12 months, using a light source visually inspect the tappings, middle hole, and external surface of each turnbuckle for corrosion or a crack. Indications of corrosion include dirt, a bulge, faded paint, a powdery deposit, or a pit that is white or red in color.
(i) If there is corrosion or a crack on the tappings or middle hole of the internal surface of a turnbuckle, replace the turnbuckle before further flight.
(ii) If there is a crack on the external surface of a turnbuckle, replace the turnbuckle before further flight.
(iii) If there is corrosion on the external surface of the turnbuckle, remove the corrosion, recondition the surface, and measure the corrosion depth in accordance with paragraph 3.B.2.b.2 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC225-05A031, ASB No. AS332-05.00.95, or ASB No. SA330-05.98, all Revision 1, and all dated June 5, 2013, as applicable to your model helicopter, except that you are not required to interpret the results per ASB paragraph 1.E.2.
(A) If the measured corrosion depth is greater than 0.3 mm, replace the turnbuckle before further flight.
(B) If the measured corrosion depth is 0.3 mm or less, do the following:
(1) Before further flight, treat the turnbuckle for corrosion in accordance with paragraph 3.B.2.c of ASB No. EC225-05A031, ASB No. AS332-05.00.95, or ASB No. SA330-05.98, all Revision 1, and all dated June 5, 2013, as applicable to your model helicopter.
(2) Within 6 months from when the turnbuckle is treated for corrosion, replace the turnbuckle.
(2) After installation of a turnbuckle, P/N 330A27-5031-20, with greater than 0 hours TIS, before next flight accomplish the actions of paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
